9 Reasons Meeting Up For Coffee Is The Best First Date Idea

I'm someone who has been on many first dates. As a result of charting these choppy waters, I’ve become something of an unofficial expert on what to do, what not to do, and where to go. So, based on this title I've just granted myself, I'm going to suggest what the what the best first date is — though I'm sure you can already take a guess by the title of the article.

Aside from Korean BBQ (yes, Korean BBQ; for some inexplicable reason, I’ve experienced much success on dates I've spent cooking ample portions of thinly sliced meats in the middle of a table), I’ve found that going out for a cup of coffee is the ultimate first-date out there.

I have many reasons for my declaration, and not one of them is romantic, because first dates aren’t about romance. Instead, in an age where singles meet either online or through a dating app, first dates are more about doing your due diligence; to see if this person seems cool, and, more importantly, to measure how likely this person is to being a potential murderer. Essentially, a first date has become a prelude to the more romantic, second date.

So if you’re ever stumped on where to go for a first date to do your figure this out, I suggest you grab a coffee. Here are nine reasons that defend my position.

1. It’s Inexpensive

Even at a high-end coffee shop, you won’t be spending more than $20 on a coffee date, and that’s probably with a treat to split. An expensive first date isn’t necessary because most first dates occur between two people who don’t know much about each other. Therefore, a first date, while they can be fun, is a low investment – literally. So, being smart about all this, it makes sense to consider that a low-investment date requires a low monetary investment.

2. You Can Tell A Lot About A Person From Their Coffee Order

Do they talk down to the barista? Do they request their beverage be “extra hot” or have a certain milk preference? Do they not drink coffee at all? A coffee order says a lot about a person’s personality, and by the time they order, you can at least somewhat determine something about them.

3. It's Ideal For Conversation

You’re sitting at a small, round table with nothing but very two hot beverages between you. What else is there to do than chat? Nothing. And that’s why coffee is an ideal first date.

A first date is all about getting to know somebody better outside of the constraints in which you met – online, through an app, through a friend, etc. – so now it’s time to find out if this date will lead to a second by meeting in person. By grabbing coffee, you’re likely to discover more about somebody than pursuing other traditional first date ideas. Because, like I've said, that's all you can do.

4. You Won’t Get Drunk

This can have many benefits. Is drunk you too honest? An oversharer? Does drunk you say things you don't really mean or do things you don't want to do? By going for coffee instead of cocktails, you can instead end the night without them knowing everything there is to know about your no good ex who you broke up with a few weeks ago. Also, alcohol can lead to overconsumption and perhaps even then to drunk driving.

5. If You’re Not Feeling The Date, It's Easy To Get Out

Hate the date? No problem, a coffee doesn’t take too long to consume (if you don’t like them based on first-impressions, order a small!), so if you’re not feeling it at all, finish the coffee, let them know you’re all done, and get out of there!

6. Also, Coffee’s Like, Really Good For You

While you've probably heard coffee cures many ailments, a new study from New York University Langone Medical Center of over 430,000 participants found that adding just two cups of coffee to your diet results in a 44 percent lower risk of cirrhosis, an incurable liver disease which is usually the result of drinking too much booze. So by grabbing coffee, you can at least somewhat undo what you may have done to your liver the evening prior.

7. They're Super Casual

No need to dress up. You can just head over to the coffee shop after work and grab a coffee with this potential match. Sit back in your recliner with a warm beverage and engage in some – hopefully – good conversation! If it's cold outside, order something warm and sit back in a leather seat and relax. If it's warm, head out on the patio with an ice coffee. Easy peasy.

8. There's Great People Watching

Whether you go to a local shop, a chain, or one that has slam poetry, you're bound to do see some characters and some endless conversation material.

9. They Work With Your Schedule

Unlike bars or restaurants, coffee dates can happen any time of day. You can do it before work, during lunch, after work, or any time over the weekend. And, if you have a big day the next day, you won't have to worry about a hangover.

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